5-16-2026 3:57am

Alamogordo Honors Veterans at Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park Gathering

Chris Edwards Editor

ALAMOGORDO, NM — The Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park will host a heartfelt Armed Forces, Active Duty and Veterans Day Gathering this evening, Saturday, May 16, 2026, offering a peaceful space for reflection, gratitude, and community connection in honor of those who serve.

The free, family-friendly event begins at 5:30 PM at the park located at 7440 Highway 54/70 (west side of the highway) in Alamogordo. Organizers from CAPPED.org, including Dawn Barraco and Tresa VanWinkle, invite active duty service members, veterans, their families, and the broader community to come together under the desert sky.

Event Highlights

• 5:30 PM – Labyrinth Walking and Gathering: Attendees can walk the unique turtle-shaped labyrinth, whose head (Children’s Labyrinth) is complete, with the body and tail sections under construction. Labyrinth walking is recognized for its therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress by up to 80%, lowering anxiety, normalizing blood pressure, and fostering mindfulness and emotional healing. The park provides a serene outdoor sanctuary for quiet reflection.

• 6:30 PM – Hotdogs & Chips Social Time: Grills will fire up for a casual barbecue with hotdogs, chips, and opportunities for storytelling and connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

• 7:30 PM – Coin Ceremony: As sunset approaches, a special Coin Ceremony will recognize active duty members and veterans with commemorative coins as tokens of community appreciation. Participants can select from available coins while supplies last.

The entire evening emphasizes healing, peace, and gratitude in a welcoming outdoor setting. Well-behaved pets are welcome in the park (but not on the labyrinth paths to maintain cleanliness for barefoot walkers). There is ample open space for groups and families.

“This is a place where wonderful things happen — healing, peace, and community connection,” said Dawn Barraco. Organizers hope for strong turnout to create a warm atmosphere of appreciation for those who have served the nation.

The Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park, a long-term community health project of CAPPED.org, has been under development for about 20 years. It serves as a healing sanctuary open to the public 24/7 year-round, with a small campground available by donation.

For more information, visit the Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park on Facebook or contact organizers through CAPPED.org.

This gathering provides a meaningful way for Alamogordo residents to express thanks and support for military members and veterans in a unique, restorative environment. All are welcome — come walk, connect, and honor our heroes.